Brunch isn't just a breakfast/lunch mashup, it might be the most important meal of the weekend. Marked by culinary creativity, hearty portions, Instagram-able presentation, and your pick of lavish midday alcoholic drinks, brunch is a sweet start to Sunday.
Check out our list of the 8 best brunch spots in Harrisburg!
Café 1500
Where: Midtown Harrisburg
When: Saturdays & Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM
Signature Item: The 1500 Famous Bloody Special
With a mouthwatering seasonal menu that rivals a NYC brunch, Café 1500 offers a fresh take on traditional breakfast foods like omelets and French toast. Their claim to brunch fame is their famous Bloody special, a rotating concoction topped with shrimp, chicken wings, watermelon, and just about anything the bartender dreams up. Café 1500 also has progressive gender-neutral bathrooms and reminds everyone to just wash their hands!
Home 231
Where: Center City
When: Sundays from 9 AM to 2 PM
Signature Item: House Donuts
Nestled on a tree-lined street just a block from the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building, Home 231’s farm-to-table fare includes some of the city’s freshest morning plates. Start with an order of House Donuts with chocolate, custard, and salted caramel sauces. Their quiche of the day is always a pleasant surprise, while the rest of the menu includes sweet and savory options like gingerbread pancakes and chicken & biscuits. On a warm, sunny morning, snag a seat in their outdoor courtyard!
Café Fresco
Where: Downtown Harrisburg
When: Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM
Signature Item: Champagne Happy Hour from Noon to 1 PM
Why wait until Sunday? Café Fresco gets the jump on brunch with upscale offerings like Oysters Rockefeller Benedict, Kobe Brunch Burger topped with a fried egg and bacon mayo, or The Big Buddha - a battered fried PB&J. Cheers to a great getaway with their Champagne Happy Hour or one of their creative morning cocktails like an espresso martini or a Wasabi Bloody Caesar!
Ad Lib Craft Kitchen & Bar
Where: Downtown Harrisburg
When: Saturdays & Sundays from 11:30 AM to 3 PM
Signature Item: Chef’s Tasting Brunch
Go all in at brunch with the Chef’s Tasting Brunch, a spontaneous dining experience where you can kick back and let the food come to you. The chef at Ad Lib offers brunch favorites like eggs benny, pancakes, and oatmeal alongside culinary morning masterpieces like lobster omelets and duck confit hash. You can have it your way at the Build Your Own Bloodies and Mimosa bar. It’s up to you how you want to spice and garnish your drink with dozens of mix-ins like bacon and blue cheese stuffed olives for the Bloodies, and fresh fruit options for Mimosas.
Cork & Fork
Where: Center City
When: Saturdays & Sundays from 11 AM to 3 PM
Signature Item: Pizza & Meat/Cheese Boards
This place has one of the best locations in the city (right in front of the Capitol building) and one of the most robust brunch menus. Cork & Fork is known for their inventive Italian eats like pizza, so you know their breakfast pizza with egg, bacon, jalapenos, and double cheeses is a winning choice. They also have a large selection of flavorful meat and cheese boards, a bold breakfast item you won’t find on just any brunch menu.
The Millworks
Where: Midtown Harrisburg
When: Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM
Signature Item: Smoked Meats
The Millworks’ seasonal brunch menu is built on locally sourced items from organic or sustainable farms. From Local, grass-fed Wood Grilled Steak & Eggs to Wholesome Living Acres Farm Eggs any way you like them, you're in for a wholesome morning meal. The Millworks also smokes meats in their sidewalk smoker, so options like Smoked Brisket & Egg Tacos and Smoked Pit Ham Eggs Benedict are truly flavorful choices. For a unique take on a Bloody Mary, try the Michelada blended with lager, smoked tomato mix, barbeque spices and lime.
Mangia Qui & Rubicon
Where: Center City
When: Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM
Signature Item: Eggs Benedict
Mangia Qui is known for its imaginative Italian entrees while embracing local ingredients, imported delicacies, and artisanal techniques. It’s sister restaurant – Rubicon – features French flair. Their brunch menu is adventurous yet approachable like their take on eggs benedict - The Benny Collection - classic, smoked salmon, surf & turf, crab or filet all served with house-made hollandaise and potatoes. You probably haven’t encountered a menu item like Italian Breakfast - Pecan Raisin Sweet Bread Dipped in Egg and Sautéed with Mascarpone and Peppered Bacon. Yum!
note. bistro & wine bar
Where: Midtown Harrisburg
When: Sundays from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
note. is the most charming location on this list, housed in a 1910 Victorian home marked by its warm and inviting atmosphere. Its menu is European inspired with fresh ingredients prepared from scratch. Start with a cup of gazpacho topped with marinated crab, leeks, and lime. Alongside their Omelette and Eggs Benedict du jour options, you’ll find impressive breakfast selections like brioche grilled cheese with braised duck, aged cheddar, gruyere, strawberry jam, arugula, or duck ragu with mushrooms over grits, poached eggs, shaved Grana Padano.
